BEIJING - Foreign leaders around the world sent their greetings and good wishes to Chinese celebrating the Chinese New Year, expressing their will to further develop relations with China.

In a video message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "Dogs are guards and good companions to human beings. The Year of the Dog symbolizes loyalty and trust. Trust boosts unity and collaboration. That is what our world needs."

"Let us work together for global peace and prosperity. I thank China and the Chinese people for their support for the work of United Nations. I wish you good health, happiness and success in the Year of the Dog," he added.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker expressed similar sentiments in another video greeting.

"This is indeed a special year for two reasons," he said. "Firstly, because it is the Year of the Dog, so it will be a year of loyalty, sincerity and harmonious relationships. This is exactly what the European Union (EU) and China will work for this year. We are loyal and sincere friends and we will continue working together in the best harmony possible."

The second important reason is that this is also the first-ever EU-China Tourism Year. "There will be plenty of cultural events and exchanges, so we can learn more about each other's societies and ways of life," Juncker added.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who visited China in August as chief of the agency for the first time and held "very efficient talks" with Chinese leaders, thanked China for its continuous support to the WHO and hoped to expand bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean's Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena said China is of critical importance to Latin America and the Caribbean region. "The people in the region warmly welcome Chinese people to visit and also wish to visit China," she said.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said Chinese communities in Austria not only provide important and valuable service to the economy but also contribute to building a multicultural, open and inclusive country.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he expects China to maintain its friendly relations with countries around the globe, including Slovakia, and wished China greater diplomatic achievement as one of leading countries in the world.

Fijian President Jioji Konrote thanked all Chinese partners in development who strove over the years to promote the mutually beneficial relations between Fiji and China and helped Fiji in dealing with its socio-economic and political challenges.

Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca acknowledged the Chinese participation in the life of Malta and their contributions to the prosperity and well-being of the Maltese Islands.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he has "every reason to believe that the Year of the Dog will bring us more success and mutual benefits for China-Africa cooperation."

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena thanked China for its significant contribution to the development of Sri Lanka.

In a statement released on the official website of the government, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy highlighted the contributions of the Chinese community to the shared prosperity in Spain.

"Many Spaniards today see the Chinese and Asian cultures as something much closer than they did in the past," Rajoy said.